Hiroshima University Guide for International Students — Admissions, Tuition, IGS, Research & Campus Life

Thinking about studying in Japan but want a campus that blends cutting-edge science with a peace-driven mission? Hiroshima University (HU) offers just that. With three campuses—Higashi-Hiroshima, Kasumi, and Higashi-Senda—HU is a comprehensive national university known for world-class research in radiation biology & medicine, high-speed robotics, and a distinctive liberal-arts program taught in English. This guide gives you the essentials: key facts, strengths, campus life, exchange options, climate & living costs, international student stats, and graduate outcomes—with official links you can trust.

Quick-Facts Table

Type	National (Publicly funded national university). Source: Outline of the Hiroshima University
Total Students	Undergraduate 10,645; Graduate 4,631; Special course 14; Research/Non-degree 568 (As of May 1, 2024). Source: Outline
Campuses	Higashi-Hiroshima (Main) Access ／ Kasumi Access ／ Higashi-Senda Access
Faculties/Schools	Integrated Arts & Sciences; Letters; Education; Law; Economics; Science; Medicine; Dentistry; Pharmaceutical Sciences; Engineering; Applied Biological Science; Informatics & Data Science. Full list: Schools & Graduate Schools
Tuition Fees	(Typical national-university rate) Annual tuition ¥535,800; Admission fee ¥282,000. Details & exemptions: Admission Expenses
Gender Ratio	Not centrally published by HU; varies by school.
Intl-Student %	≈ 11–12% (1,831 international students vs. ~15,858 university students excluding attached schools; May 1, 2024). Sources: Outline ／ International by the Numbers
Students per Staff	≈ 9.5 : 1 (using Outline student & faculty counts). Source: Outline

Campus Maps

Higashi-Hiroshima Campus (Main)

Address: 1-3-2 Kagamiyama, Higashi-Hiroshima City, Hiroshima 739-8511, Japan

Kasumi Campus (Hiroshima City)

Address: 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami Ward, Hiroshima 734-8553, Japan

Higashi-Senda Campus (Hiroshima City)

Address: 1-1-89 Higashi-Senda-machi, Naka Ward, Hiroshima 730-0053, Japan

Mission, History & Founding Story

Hiroshima University is a comprehensive national university formed in 1949 by merging several prewar higher education institutions. Its mission—deeply shaped by Hiroshima’s legacy—combines global-minded scholarship with a commitment to peace, resilience, and societal well-being. The “Outline of the Hiroshima University” summarizes HU’s scale and organization, including 10,000+ undergraduates and robust graduate programs across the sciences, engineering, humanities, social sciences, and professional fields. Outline

HU’s English history page traces milestones from its postwar re-establishment to modern expansions across three campuses. History In 2023–2024 the university marked “75+75” years (75 years as a new university + 75 years for some predecessor schools), highlighting both tradition and ongoing reform. Anniversary news HU also publishes its internationalization roadmap, “International Strategy 2022,” which continues to frame partnerships, mobility, and multilingual learning environments. International Strategy 2022

Peace education is woven into campus culture. The long-running Peace Lecture Marathon invites global leaders and scholars to engage students on nuclear disarmament, conflict resolution, and human security. Peace Lecture Marathon HU also supports a dedicated Peace Project Fund for co-curricular and research activities advancing peace and international understanding. Peace Project Fund

Key Strengths & Unique Features

Radiation Biology & Medicine (RIRBM + BHS)

HU’s Research Institute for Radiation Biology and Medicine (RIRBM) is one of Japan’s largest university-affiliated institutes in the field, combining basic science, translational work, and clinical collaboration rooted in Hiroshima’s unique context. RIRBM / Introduction Graduate education is structured in the Graduate School of Biomedical & Health Sciences (BHS) with doctoral and master’s programs including Radiation Biology and Medicine. BHS / Program (Doctoral Course)

Smart Robotics & High‑Speed Vision

HU researchers are well-known for high-speed vision and sensing, mechatronics, and human–robot interaction. The Smart Robotics Laboratory shares open research updates (papers, demos, and member pages). Smart Robotics Lab For hands-on pathways, see the IDEC 3+1 Project-based Track openings—e.g., the Machinery Dynamics Laboratory track emphasizing robot control and HRI. IDEC 3+1 (Machinery Dynamics) ／ Program overview: IDEC 3+1 Top

Integrated Global Studies (IGS) — English‑Taught Flagship

What is IGS?

IGS (Department of Integrated Global Studies) is an undergraduate program taught in English within the School of Integrated Arts & Sciences. It offers multiple admission routes (overseas interview, on-campus interview, etc.) across the academic year. IGS Step‑by‑Step Guide (2025)

How admissions work

All official procedures run through the university’s admissions portal, with online applications handled via UCARO. Always confirm current schedules and eligibility on HU’s Admissions site. Admissions (HU)

Peace & Global Citizenship Networks

HU participates in the International Network of Universities (INU), hosting programs on global citizenship, sustainability, and health. These provide study-abroad and summer school opportunities in English. INU Exchange / Student Seminar on Global Citizenship & Peace / Master’s Summer School: Sustainability

Student Life for Internationals

Clubs & Circles that welcome overseas students

From cultural circles to competitive sports, HU’s circle system is the fastest way to meet friends across majors and languages. Start at the official listing page and check campus-specific groups. Introduction of Circles (MOMIJI)

Dedicated support offices (visa, housing, counselling)

International students can access one‑stop guidance on visas, housing, and daily life via MOMIJI (HU’s student info portal). Bookmark these pages: Immigration procedures ／ Housing ／ Advising & Counselling

Language‑exchange or buddy programs

HU facilitates language and cultural exchange through tutoring and buddy schemes coordinated by support offices and student groups. See: Tutor / Exchange programs (MOMIJI)

Partner Institutions & Exchange Options (Outbound Focus)

HU students go abroad through HUSA (Hiroshima University Study Abroad Program), INU exchanges, and short-term intensives. Check the program outlines and deadlines here: HUSA ／ INU Exchange Menu ／ HU’s Study Abroad System

Local Climate & Lifestyle

Hiroshima sits on the Seto Inland Sea and enjoys relatively mild seasons: warm, humid summers and cool winters with limited snowfall in the city. For historical climate normals and monthly averages, consult the Japan Meteorological Agency’s English portal. JMA Climate Normals

Living costs are generally lower than Tokyo/Osaka. A prefectural portal suggests monthly living costs around ¥90,000–¥100,000 (excluding tuition), with breakdowns by category. Hiroshima Study Abroad Portal – Living Expenses Housing options include dorms and private apartments; start with HU’s housing guidance. Housing (MOMIJI)

International Student Statistics

HU publishes snapshots of international student numbers, partner agreements, and countries/regions represented. For the latest counts and charts, see: International Exchange by the Numbers

Career & Graduate Prospects

HU’s Global Career Design Center lists employment results, major hiring companies, and support programs for international students. Check current and past outcomes here: Employment Results ／ Past Results (breakdowns)